The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Bryn Dental Practice t/a Smiles R US Limited

8 Downall Green Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 0DH (01942) 275001

Provided and run by:
Smiles R US Limited

All Inspections

16 March 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 16 March 2023 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.

We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.

The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:

  • Is it safe?
  • Is it effective?
  • Is it caring?
  • Is it responsive to people’s needs?
  • Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

  • The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
  • The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
  • Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
  • Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
  • The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
  • Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
  • Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
  • Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
  • The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
  • The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
  • There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
  • Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
  • Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
  • The practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

Bryn Dental Practice is in Wigan and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice has a dedicated car park, including dedicated parking for disabled people. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 6 dental nurses (3 of whom are trainees) and 1 receptionist. The practice has 7 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist and 2 dental nurses. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

27 June 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We spoke to a sample of four patients who were visiting the practice during our visit. They all said that they had no complaints and made various positive comments such as; 'its fantastic here'; 'they are marvellous' and 'the service and staff are very good'.

Patients told us they were given various information about their treatment and knew what to expect. Some of the patients we spoke to had been at the practice for many years. They explained that they felt the level of service was; 'excellent'.

One person was new and told us they were happy about the service received. One patient told us the practice had been highly recommended to them and that it was a popular service.

Another patient explained how staff had made the clinic accessible to their relative who had mobility problems and helped accommodate them with their needs so they were comfortable when given their treatment.

Everyone stated they were always consulted and they gave full consent about their treatment and check ups.

Patients told us they were always asked to sign forms when they visited the practice. Most people were aware of their costs and treatments.

21 March 2012

During a routine inspection

Patients we spoke with were very happy with the treatment they had received. Patients told us the staff were very helpful. Patients were not aware of the complaints system but they said they had never had any concerns or issues about the treatment received. They said the surgery was always clean.

Patients told us they were given medical questionnaires to complete but not all said that their medical history was always checked prior to receiving any treatment. They told us their treatment options were always discussed and that they were given a written copy of their treatment plan along with an estimate of any cost involved.